What is 3D-F? Decoding 3D Framework Technology in Cadmould Flex

The 3D-F algorithm developed by SIMCON represents a major breakthrough, eliminating the traditional trade-off between processing speed and accuracy in plastic injection molding simulation. This article will help you clearly understand what 3D-F technology is and how Cadmould Flex empowers manufacturers to optimize modern mold production workflows.

1. The Concept of 3D-F Technology and Its Role in Plastic Simulation

Before diving into the technical architecture, it is essential to understand what 3D-F actually is. 3D-F (3D Framework) is a next-generation simulation meshing algorithm designed to eliminate the bottlenecks of legacy methods. Traditional Midplane models lack volumetric accuracy, while full 3D volumetric models are often rigid and require expert-level setup. 3D-F emerges as a perfectly balanced alternative.

This algorithm removes the trade-off between speed and accuracy by combining the best advantages of both approaches. It delivers the high-fidelity simulation accuracy of volumetric models while retaining the simplicity and speed of Midplane methods. This capability is especially critical for enterprises aiming to enhance manufacturing efficiency by optimizing trial-and-error processes through simulation software.

2. Core Benefits of Adopting 3D-F Technology

Implementing 3D-F delivers tangible value that significantly enhances efficiency in mold and tooling manufacturing. Below are the key benefits enterprises can expect:

• Perfect balance: Achieves an optimal trade-off between computational speed and simulation accuracy.
• Automatic meshing: Leverages fully automated mesh generation, even for highly complex geometries, minimizing human-induced errors.
• Advanced volumetric analysis: Enables in-depth analysis of volumetric effects such as shrinkage and warpage.
• Exceptional reliability: Ensures accurate results even for parts with asymmetrical and varying wall thicknesses.
• Optimized iterative workflows: Supports rapid optimization cycles, allowing multiple simulation iterations to identify the best solution.
• Flexible geometry modification: Allows direct adjustment of geometric parameters without dependency on the original CAD data.

3. Operating Mechanism of the 3D-F Algorithm

Instead of filling a part with millions of solid finite elements—placing a heavy computational burden on the system—3D-F employs an intelligent “skeletal” framework to maximize performance.

Skeletal Structure and Internal “Tube” System

Unlike traditional solid volumetric meshing approaches, 3D-F operates through a unique combination of:

• Surface mesh: Provides a lightweight and flexible foundation for the model.
• Internal tube system: Acts as intelligent flow paths within the part to accurately track material behavior and applied forces.
• Value delivered: This approach eliminates the computational heaviness of legacy 3D models while fully preserving the physical characteristics of polymer flow.

25 Dynamic Integration Points Across Wall Thickness

Across every region of the part, Cadmould Flex distributes 25 integration points through the wall thickness. The key breakthrough lies in their ability to dynamically reposition in real time, concentrating computational effort where it matters most:

• During the filling phase: Resolution is focused near the mold walls, where shear stress is highest.
• During the freezing phase: Integration points continuously migrate along the boundary between molten and solidified plastic.

This flexible reallocation enables 3D-F to achieve ultra-high resolution while maintaining record-fast processing speeds, fully overcoming the performance limitations of traditional full 3D volumetric models.

4. Key Technical Features of Cadmould Flex

By integrating the 3D-F algorithm, Cadmould Flex delivers a set of breakthrough capabilities that enable comprehensive optimization of the simulation workflow:

• Dynamic resolution optimization: The system automatically adjusts high-resolution regions based on process variables such as shear rate and temperature gradients. This approach ensures maximum simulation accuracy at critical areas without wasting computational resources on redundant calculations.
• Native wall thickness recognition: Unlike traditional full 3D volumetric meshes, 3D-F inherently understands wall thickness. This capability allows engineers to directly modify and optimize wall geometry within the simulation environment. It is an ideal tool for parametric studies and automated optimization—without the need to return to the original CAD model.
• Fully automated meshing and ultra-fast simulation: The meshing workflow in Cadmould Flex is completely automated, enabling smooth and efficient handling of even the most complex geometries.
• Design of Experiments (DoE) support: Thanks to its lightweight and efficient mesh structure, the software can run multiple simulations in parallel on standard hardware configurations. This creates optimal conditions for implementing DoE and developing powerful optimization strategies for injection mold systems.

5. Real-World Applications of 3D-F Technology Across Industries

3D-F is not designed for theoretical textbook models. It is built to handle real-world components that engineers work with every day—parts with non-uniform wall thickness, functional features such as ribs, domes, seals, and asymmetric geometries.

Thanks to its exceptional flexibility, this technology is widely applied across multiple industries, including:

• Electronics: Thin-walled housings with complex rib structures.
• Medical devices: Applications requiring absolute precision and high process stability.
• Home appliances: Plastic components with curved and free-form geometries.
• Automotive: One of the largest application domains for 3D-F technology.

The superior balance between accuracy and speed offered by 3D-F excels not only in single-run simulations but is particularly powerful when exploring multiple design variants. When combined with Varimos AI in Cadmould Flex, users can automatically explore a wide range of design options and rapidly converge on high-performance solutions.

6. Integration and Compatibility Within the Cadmould Flex Ecosystem

One of the key advantages when understanding what 3D-F is lies in its readiness for practical use. The technology is purpose-built for the Cadmould ecosystem and is fully integrated as a standard feature across Cadmould Flex Basic, Advanced, Premium, and Enterprise subscriptions.

Key integration highlights include:

• Default engine for core processes: Serves as the standard simulation engine for filling, packing, shrinkage, and warpage analyses.
• Full compatibility with Varimos AI: Enables end-to-end automation, Design of Experiments (DoE), and unrestricted optimization workflows.
• No special hardware requirements: Thanks to its efficient architecture, the algorithm runs smoothly on standard CPU-based systems, eliminating the need for high-performance computing infrastructure.
• Broad CAD format support: Automates meshing upon CAD import, significantly reducing manual preparation effort for engineers.
• Intelligent data structure: Seamlessly integrates with post-processing tools for advanced data visualization and professional reporting.

7. Frequently Asked Questions About 3D-F Technology

Below is a compilation of common questions to help clarify what 3D-F truly is and how it delivers value in practice.

7.1 Is 3D-F as accurate as full 3D simulation?

According to the vendor’s documentation, 3D-F delivers ultra-high resolution comparable to full volumetric 3D models, thanks to its 25 dynamic integration points mechanism. It is often even more effective in predicting warpage for parts with variable wall thickness—an area where traditional 3D meshes tend to struggle due to their rigid structure.

7.2 Why can wall thickness be modified directly in Cadmould Flex without a CAD file?

This is because 3D-F treats wall thickness as a native parameter within its mesh framework. This capability saves engineers hours of work when rapidly testing thickness variations to resolve part defects—without the need to return to the CAD design stage.

7.3 Does the 3D-F algorithm support defect simulation such as weld lines?

Yes. 3D-F tracks material behavior in true 3D space with high fidelity, enabling accurate prediction of weld lines and air traps based on real interactions between flow fronts and thermal conditions.

7.4 Do I need to upgrade my hardware to use 3D-F?

No. One of the key advantages of 3D-F is its lightweight architecture. It runs smoothly on standard office-grade hardware, allowing complex analyses without the need for expensive workstations or HPC systems.

3D-F technology in Cadmould Flex is more than just a simulation tool—it is a strategic lever that helps manufacturers increase accuracy while optimizing production costs.
As an official partner in Vietnam, SDE Tech is committed to supporting enterprises in mastering this production-ready technology. Don’t let manufacturing risks slow your progress. Contact SDE Tech today for in-depth consulting on Cadmould Flex solutions.

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